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The Reluctant Duke
Colin Lyre, recently inherited 10th Duke of Lincoln, has been told his whole life that he is superfluous to his family.
When he must deal with the responsibility and stress that comes with his new title, he flounders rather badly. He is determined do his ‘duty’’ and marry an ‘appropriate Duchess.’
Life throws Colin’s plans wayward when he rescues the beautiful Annabelle from a ball. She makes him realize how much better his life could be, but he doesn’t know if he truly deserves such happiness.
Annabelle wants nothing to do with the responsibility of marrying a title. She simply wants to make a suitable match with a gentleman who can support her family.
Colin is Annabelle’s perfect prince until she realizes what life as his life would be like. However, making the rational decision to stay away from one another is much harder than either of them expects.
When he must deal with the responsibility and stress that comes with his new title, he flounders rather badly. He is determined do his ‘duty’’ and marry an ‘appropriate Duchess.’
Life throws Colin’s plans wayward when he rescues the beautiful Annabelle from a ball. She makes him realize how much better his life could be, but he doesn’t know if he truly deserves such happiness.
Annabelle wants nothing to do with the responsibility of marrying a title. She simply wants to make a suitable match with a gentleman who can support her family.
Colin is Annabelle’s perfect prince until she realizes what life as his life would be like. However, making the rational decision to stay away from one another is much harder than either of them expects.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 27, 2013
I really liked the concept of this story about the 'heir and a spare'. And to have a group of young men, all of whom are 'spares' means this is the first of a series. All four aristocrats are introduced to us in a prologue in which Colin Lincoln, second son to the Duke of Lincoln is celebrating his 25th birthday. Chapter One sees him as the new Duke and we know some accident has befallen both his father and elder brother. I don't think the nature of the accident was ever made clear.
At one of the few balls he attends, Colin rescues Annabelle after she unwisely ventured into the garden and was attacked. She is the loveliest woman he has ever encountered and she behaves naturally with him, not knowing he's a duke. Having endured the fawning and flattery of those who want something from him since he gained the title, Annabelle's unaffected response and trust in him as a man are very appealing. The attraction between them consumes them both and, inevitably, they marry.
Both Colin's mother and sister-in-law are nasty pieces who want to see the marriage fail. In fact, two nastier female characters it would be difficult to find. Their machinations and the fallout occupy the second half of the story.
This is a sweet story in a historical setting (1812 London). Annabelle is sweet and brave and enjoys sex with her new husband, having been told by her mother (with lots of red faces on both sides) that a woman can enjoy the process and doesn't just have to lie there and take it. Colin is weak at times, allowing his sense of inadequacy to almost overturn what he and his new wife have together, but he finally works out what he really needs to make him happy--Annabelle.
At one of the few balls he attends, Colin rescues Annabelle after she unwisely ventured into the garden and was attacked. She is the loveliest woman he has ever encountered and she behaves naturally with him, not knowing he's a duke. Having endured the fawning and flattery of those who want something from him since he gained the title, Annabelle's unaffected response and trust in him as a man are very appealing. The attraction between them consumes them both and, inevitably, they marry.
Both Colin's mother and sister-in-law are nasty pieces who want to see the marriage fail. In fact, two nastier female characters it would be difficult to find. Their machinations and the fallout occupy the second half of the story.
This is a sweet story in a historical setting (1812 London). Annabelle is sweet and brave and enjoys sex with her new husband, having been told by her mother (with lots of red faces on both sides) that a woman can enjoy the process and doesn't just have to lie there and take it. Colin is weak at times, allowing his sense of inadequacy to almost overturn what he and his new wife have together, but he finally works out what he really needs to make him happy--Annabelle.
April 19, 2013
It was a lovely sweet book with enough twists and turns to make most sweeter readers happy.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews